Shiva’s bout, however, turned out to be an ugly one when his opponent Ashok from the All India Police (AIP) allegedly head-butted the local star during their lightweight quarter-final at the Sarusajai Indoor Stadium here.

Despite winning the contest by a 5-0 unanimous decision, the 23-year-old Shiva’s further participation in the tournament was jeopardised after being hit towards the end of the second round.

After completely dominating the first round, Shiva managed to floor his opponent with a volley of punches before a desperate Ashok head-butted him. The injury seemed serious in nature with Shiva bleeding profusely before the ringside doctors attended to him.

The referee, however allowed the bout to continue as Ashok targeted Shiva’s face in the final round but the latter managed to keep himself out of the AIP boxer’s grasp.

Shiva’s father Padam Thapa said the boxer was being treated by the doctors available in the stadium but will proceed to the hospital for further treatment.

“As of now, there is no confirmation from the doctors... we are taking him to the hospital after getting basic first aid,” Thapa said after his son’s bout.The senior Thapa further alleged that such boxers often turn up at tournaments just to “intentionally” disrupt prospects of the medal contenders.

“I have seen a number of such boxers coming to tournaments just for that reason (intentionally hurting the opponents) as they are themselves incapable of doing anything in the game,” he said.